Nigerian activist, Chido Onumah was arrested for wearing a shirt with inscription ‘we are all Biafrans’, – DSS Speaks on his ‘arrest’
.
.
The Department of State Services, DSS, has reacted to the reported arrest of a journalist, Chido Onumah.
DSS had picked up the columnist yesterday upon his return to Nigeria from Spain where he recently bagged a doctorate in communication studies.
Reacting to his arrest, the secret police explained that it only interacted with him on a t-shirt he wore on his was into Abuja town from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, DSS said the wordings on the t-shirt: “We are all Biafrans,” was capable of attracting mob attack to Onumah.
The statement reads: “To set the records right, Onumah was never arrested by the Service. He was rather engaged in an interaction during which an act of his capable of undermining public order and national security was explained to him. “On his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 29th September, 2019, it was discovered that Onumah wore a T-shirt with WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS inscription on it. With credible intelligence that he might be a subject of mob attack if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the Service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable (un)intended action.
“It was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would have sparked ethno-religious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order and public safety in the country. He understood the issues and pledged not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large. He subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and inscriptions and agreed not to use it.
“The interaction between Onumah and the Service held in a convivial atmosphere. He appreciated the courtesies extended to him. Afterwards, the Service arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in town…”
Subscribe to our newsletter for more juicy updates, videos and photos.